NYOHA strongly supports LIHEAP

- 3:08 pm - April 10th, 2017

The Low-Income Home Energy Assistance Program (LIHEAP) is an energy assistance program funded by the federal government and administered in New York State by the Office of Temporary and Disability Assistance, the Division of Housing and Community Renewal and the Office for the Aging. New York state residents with a need for financial assistance for home energy costs qualify under the program.

HEAP assists low-income homeowners and renters in paying bills for heating fuel, equipment and repairs. This program is especially helpful during the cold winter months, when heat is a necessity. Energy and fuel companies participate in the program in order to assist those in need with discounted prices, free emergency services and late fee forgiveness.

In 2013, the average NY household heating assistance benefit was $338.

Of the households provided with assistance, 42% were disabled homeowners, 35% elderly and 24% housed children under 5 years old.

Of the households provided with assistance, 77% have an annual income below the poverty line.

In a response to President Trump’s first budget request, the New York State Energy Coalition (NYSEC) expressed support for maintaining LIHEAP funding, stressing, “the severe financial harm that the elimination of LIHEAP funds would inflict on low-to-moderate income families as a consequence if the Administration’s proposed budget is enacted.” The elimination of the federal program could cause low-income households to slip further below the poverty line. LIHEAP helps elderly Americans, veterans and active-duty military families heat their homes during the cold winter months.

The New York Oil Heating Association strongly supports LIHEAP and will continue to do so via our participating member companies for as long as the program exists.